A burning ceiling started to collapse on firefighters as flames destroyed a bungalow yesterday afternoon.
Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus bravely entered the home in Chapel Way, by Great Tattenhams, to find its missing owner.
Thankfully the woman was not actually at home, but her razed bungalow was “completely gone” in the flames.
A spokesman at Epsom fire station said firefighters were called out of the burning building on two occasions because the ceiling was collapsing.
He said: “They did everything they could do, believing the lady was inside there, but she wasn’t. Halfway through fighting the fire, the lady came up the road.”
Six fire engines were called to the fire at 1.30pm and about 20 firefighters took it in turns to search the home.
From yesterday: Firefighters called to 'awful' Great Tattenhams bungalow fire
A spokesman at Epsom fire station said: “When the fire service came around the corner, the fire was going through the roof and windows. It was pretty much lost when we got there.
“The homeowner could not be located. We entered the building and did a thorough search.”
He said the cause remained under investigation.
Kind-hearted members of the community offered to help the woman if needed through community Facebook group What’s on in Banstead.
Lindsey Thorn, from Chapel Way, posted: “The house is completely burnt out. Thankfully the elderly lady had in fact gone out to lunch so was safe and sound.
“The firemen suspect a washing machine that was left on was the cause (lesson to us all!) and they were saying it will have to be demolished as the walls had cracked.”
She added: “Apparently she doesn’t really understand the extent of the damage. The fire crew last night said they reckoned the house will have to [be] pulled down because the walls are cracked.
“They were amazing yesterday – going into the house when it was blazing looking for her.”
Jasmine Brown, who spotted the fire from a car in Shawley Way, posted on the group: "The smoke looked like it was coming from back of house rising above it...
"We weren't sure if it was actually the house on fire at first, then quickly it surrounded front of house."
She said her friend drove up to investigate, but they were enveloped in the smoke so retreated and phone the fire brigade. She added: "It was very quick how it progressed and was thick smoke."
Reigate and Banstead Safer Neighbourhood Policing Team posted on Facebook: "Occupant was thought to have been in the bungalow at the time, but was found safe and well and taken to daughter’s house.
"Road closures were put in place whilst the fire was dealt with.
Firefighters, paramedics and police in Chapel Way
"Fire was not treated as suspicious and later found to be started by a faulty appliance. Unfortunately bungalow was very badly damaged including ceiling collapsing."
Do you know what happened? Please call the newsdesk on 020 8722 6337 or email alice.foster@london.newsquest.co.uk
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